Daihatsu Motor Co. Explores Biogas Production from Omi Beef Manure

On December 9, cattle manure sourced from a nearby farm was transported to the Daihatsu Motor Co. plant located in Ryuo, Shiga Prefecture. The auto manufacturer is teaming up with municipal authorities to develop a method for generating methane gas from the manure of Omi Beef cattle, a highly regarded breed of Japanese Black cattle native to the region.

Daihatsu has designated a portion of its Shiga Plant, where vehicles like the Rocky compact SUV and car engines are produced, specifically for this biogas initiative. The company intends to utilize the produced biogas in the aluminum casting process for engine components and other parts.

One notable aspect of the Omi Beef manure is its lower water content compared to that of dairy cattle, making it particularly suitable for methane generation. By fine-tuning the processes involving methanogen and fermentation, Daihatsu has successfully stabilized gas production from the dung of these cattle.

The facility is capable of collecting approximately 2 tons of manure each day, with the fermentation process taking around two weeks to yield methane gas. The manufacturing setup includes a robot for vehicle assembly, utilizing a previously unused building and conveyor system. The generated gas is directed towards a generator that produces electricity, partially fulfilling the power needs for plant lighting.

The byproducts of the fermentation process are repurposed as fertilizer for agricultural use. In the long term, Daihatsu hopes to integrate this biogas into the city's gas supply at a target ratio of around 10 percent, enhancing the aluminum casting operations. However, the company still faces challenges related to cost management and the handling of residual materials from the process.